Gift basket assembly having a preformed insert including a plurality of individually packaged products

ABSTRACT

A gift basket assembly is provided with a preformed insert, the insert being a self-contained plurality of independently prepackaged products and a base within a shrink-wrap casing. Shred is disposed in one of the insert and the gift basket, such that the insert can be operably engaged with the basket and an outer wrap, including a shrink-wrap, is disposed about the basket and the insert to form the assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to gift baskets, and particularly to a preformed insert having a plurality of independently packaged products and an optional base within a casing, wherein the insert can be selectively joined with a basket and the combination disposed within an outer bag or wrap.

2. Description of the Related Art

The sending of a customized selection of products to a recipient is increasingly used by a variety of businesses to commemorate an important event or transaction, or simply engendered good will. Even outside the business context, an individual may wish to send such a customized selection to a family member, friend, or other associate in connection with a holiday, birthday, wedding, funeral, medical event, or for no specific reason.

Traditionally, the gift baskets are either formed by the manufacturer of the individual products included in the basket, a fulfillment center, or a commercial entity such as a grocery store or flower shop.

Typically, each product is disposed within the basket along with an amount of packing material and the entire basket is then surrounded with a shrink-wrap material which is heat-treated to retain the products within the basket.

However, these prior systems often result in large residual inventory of basket kits (the basket along with the packing material and the shrink-wrap bag) which are often not used until the subsequent holiday season. The retention of this inventory reduces the available cash for on going operations as well as incurring costs associated with storage.

Therefore, the need exists for a method and assembly for increasing use of gift baskets and gift basket kits. The need also exists for a system that reduces the time required to assemble a gift basket.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a gift basket assembly, having a basket; an insert with the basket, the insert including a base, a plurality of individually packaged products upon the base and a shrink-wrapped casing retaining the base and the products in a predetermined configuration; shred within one of the basket and the insert; and an outer wrap enclosing the insert, the shred, and at least a portion of the basket.

In selected configurations, the outer wrap is a shrink wrap bag. Further, the shred can be located within the casing. It is also contemplated the insert can include shred. In the present system, the plurality of individually packaged products in the insert can be third-party products. It is further contemplated the insert and separately packaged products can be disposed within the outer wrap.

The present disclosure further provides a method of forming a gift basket assembly, by locating an insert relative to a basket, the insert having a base, a plurality of individually packaged products upon the base, and a shrink-wrapped casing retaining the products and the base in a given configuration, at least one of the insert and the basket having shred; disposing an outer wrap about the insert and at least a portion of the basket; and at least one of (i) partially securing the outer wrap and (ii) shrinking the outer wrap to retain the insert relative to the basket.

A further method is provided for forming an insert for a gift basket assembly, by locating a plurality of independently packaged third-party products with respect to a base; disposing shred relative to at least one of the base and the plurality of independently packaged products; disposing a shrink-wrapped casing about at least a portion of the products, the shred and the base; shrinking the shrink-wrap to form a substantially unitary insert having the plurality of independently packaged products retained in the given configuration relative to each other and the base, and the shred being retained within the casing; locating the insert relative to a basket within an outer wrap; and at least one of (i) partially securing the outer wrap and (ii) shrinking the outer wrap to retain the insert relative to the gift basket.

In certain configurations, it is contemplated the outer wrap is a shrink wrap.

A further configuration provides a product display assembly having a basket; an insert engaged with the basket, the insert having a plurality of independently packaged third-party products, and a shrink-wrap casing, the casing retaining the plurality of third-party independently packaged products in a predetermined orientation; shred in at least one of the basket and the insert; and an outer wrap extending about the insert, the shred, and at least a portion of the basket.

It is understood in certain configurations, the casing encases the insert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a gift basket assembly having a first basket and an insert.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a gift basket assembly having a second basket and the insert.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a gift basket assembly having a third basket and the insert.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a first configuration of the insert.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a second configuration of the insert.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the insert.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a further configuration of the insert.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a third configuration of the insert nested with another insert of the third configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the present gift basket assembly 10 includes a gift basket 20 having an insert 30, wherein at least a portion of the basket and the insert are retained relative to each other by an encompassing outer wrap 60 and one of the basket 20 and the insert 30 include shed 70.

For purposes of description, the term basket 20 is intended to encompass retail level container, tin, tray, bucket, crate, bowls, or vessels, which may be formed with or without handles.

The term “shred” 70 encompasses packaging materials and protective packaging material which can fill voids and provide shock absorption during shipping. Shred 70 includes cellophane shred, crinkle-cut paper shred, diamond shred, excelsior shred (a wood fill), metallic shred, sheet moss, fine paper shred, Spanish moss or any combinations thereof. Selected configurations of the shred 70 can also provide decorative enhancement of the resulting gift basket assembly 10.

In the assembled gift basket assembly 10, the assembly includes the basket 20 with the insert 30 and the shred 70.

The basket 20 can include a false bottom or shred 70 for locating the insert in a given position within the basket. Alternatively, the insert 30 can engage the basket 20 to be aligned with a portion of the basket or on an edge of the basket.

The outer wrap 60, in one configuration, is disposed about the basket 20 and the insert 30 to completely encompass the basket and the insert, wherein the outer wrap is then closed with a clasp, a tie or a bow 62. In select configurations, the outer wrap 60 is a shrink-wrap which is activated to retain the insert 30 in the predetermined orientation with respect to the basket 20. In such configuration, upon the outer wrap 60 assuming the final shrunk configuration, the outer wrap binds and retains the insert 30 relative to the basket 20 to form a substantially integral unit.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the insert 30 includes a plurality of individually packaged products 32 within a casing 40, wherein the casing is a shrink-wrap to retain the relative position of the products.

The products 32 within the gift basket assembly 10 are individually packaged products. The products 32 include those individually packaged for separate and independent distribution. That is, the products 32 are separately packaged from gift basket assembly 10 and can be packaged for independent resale. However, it is understood some of the products 32 may be separately packaged, though the packaging is not labeled for individual resale. It is also understood the products 32 can include perishable goods such as fresh fruit or even flowers. In some configurations, the products 32 are made by parties other than the creator or assembler of the gift basket assembly 10.

It is contemplated that while some products 32 can be retained within the insert 30, additional products can be separate from the insert, and retained within the outer wrap 60. Thus, products 32 can be secured within the insert 30 and additional products, such as but not limited to consumer products to fresh fruit, can be outside the insert but within the outer wrap 60. The resulting gift basket assembly 10 can include the insert 30 alone within the outer wrap 60 or in combination with additional separate products.

As seen in FIGS. 5-7, the insert 30 includes a base 36 upon which the products 32 are disposed, wherein the base may have a footprint which is substantially equal to the footprint of the collection of products; smaller than the footprint of the products; or larger than the footprint of the products.

In addition, in select configurations, shred 70 may be disposed upon the base 36 or around the products 32 upon the base. The casing 40 then surrounds the products 32, the base 36 and the incorporated shred 70 to form a separate component.

It is contemplated the individual products 32 may be arranged with respect to the base 36 and within the insert 30 such that the finished inserts (including the casing) can be stacked or packed in an efficient manner. Thus, as seen in FIG. 8, the inserts 30 can be configured such that the shape of the inserts is complementary so as to reduce void space. The configuration shown in FIG. 8 may only be obtainable for a limited number of insert configurations based on the type and weight of individual products 32. A divider, of a material such as Styrofoam® brand material or paperboard, may be needed to separate the two inserts in a cell to protect the shrink wrap on the individual inserts. It is understood, the two inserts need to be protected from the external effects of vibration and movement during the transportation and handling process.

In one configuration as seen in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the footprint of the products 32 in the insert 30 extend beyond the footprint of the base 36 thereby reducing the visual impact of the base. In such configuration, it is contemplated the products can be arranged to substantially occlude the base. Alternatively, it is contemplated the products 32 can provide a footprint that is substantially equal to the base, as seen in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 7, in a further configuration, the periphery of the base 36 can extend substantially beyond the footprint of the respective products 32 in the insert 30. In this configuration, the base 36 can be colored or incorporate the shred 70 to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In one configuration, the casing 40 is a shrink-wrap material which is disposed about the assembled base 36, the shred 70 and the products 32. The shrink wrap is then exposed to heat causing the shrink-wrap to reduce in size and substantially retain the products in a predetermined configuration relative to each other. The insert 30 is a self-contained, self-supporting component. A satisfactory material for the casing includes Willow-Wrap (Shrink Wrap) PVC Film 45% Biaxially which meets FDA regulations for incidental food contact, imported by Willow Group Ltd.

In operation, it is contemplated that an entity having a residual inventory of gift basket kits, can order the inserts 30 for any of a variety of occasions and, upon receiving the inserts, the entity disposes the insert in its entirety within the basket 2 and places the outer wrap 60, or bag, about the basket and the enclosed insert. The outer wrap 60 is then tied off, closed (with bow 62), or if the outer wrap is a shrink-wrap material, heated so that the outer wrap retains the insert 30 relative to the basket 20.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, it is contemplated the base 36 or footprint of the insert 30 can be selectively disposed entirely within the basket 20; substantially coincident with a periphery of the opening of the basket; or to extend beyond the periphery of the basket opening.

Thus, a given size insert 30 can be used with a variety of basket sizes. Particularly, as the configuration of the outer wrap 60 as a shrink-wrap, upon treated the outer wrap, the insert 30 is retained in the predetermined orientation relative to the basket 20.

It is also contemplated that the baskets 20 can be of a nesting configuration and the inserts 30 can be also of a relatively efficient packing configuration as shown in FIG. 8 such that the nested inserts, nested baskets 20, outer wraps 60, tie-offs, such as bows 62, and additional shred 70 can be incorporated into a single shipping container and merely assembled at the desired location.

As the insert 30 can be used with a variety of baskets 20, and additional products can be disposed intermediate the insert and the outer wrap 60, the resulting gift basket assembly 10 can be readily customized, while incorporating a given insert. For example, the gift basket assembly 10 can include an insert 30 having nonperishable items, and perishable items between the insert and within the outer wrap 60. Thus, the inserts 30 of nonperishable items can be economically assembled, and transported to a final assembler who then incorporates perishable items between the insert and within the outer wrap 60, and then distributes the finished gift basket assembly 10.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A gift basket assembly, comprising: (a) a basket; (b) an insert with the basket, the insert including a base, a plurality of individually packaged products upon the base and a shrink-wrapped casing retaining the base and the products in a predetermined configuration; (c) shred within one of the basket and the insert; and (d) an outer wrap enclosing the insert, the shred, and at least a portion of the basket, wherein at least a portion of the basket and the insert are retained relative to each other by the outer wrap.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer wrap is a shrink wrap bag which has been activated to bind and retain the insert relative to the basket.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shred is within the casing.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the basket and the insert include shred.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of individually packaged products are third-party products.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one product outside the casing and within the outer wrap.
 7. A method of forming a gift basket assembly in accordance with claim 1, the method comprising: (a) locating an insert relative to a basket, the insert having a base, a plurality of individually packaged products upon the base, and a shrink-wrapped casing retaining the products and the base in a given configuration, at least one of the insert and the basket having shred; (b) disposing an outer wrap about the insert and at least a portion of the basket; and (c) at least one of (i) partially securing the outer wrap and (ii) shrinking the outer wrap to retain the insert relative to the basket.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising disposing a separate product between the casing and the outer wrap.
 9. A method of forming a gift basket assembly in accordance with claim 1, the method comprising: (a) locating a plurality of independently packaged products with respect to a base; (b) disposing shred relative to at least one of the base and the plurality of independently packaged products; (c) disposing a shrink-wrapped casing about at least a portion of the products, the shred and the base; (d) shrinking the shrink-wrap to form a substantially unitary insert having the plurality of independently packaged products retained in the given configuration relative to each other and the base, and the shred being retained within the casing; (e) locating the insert relative to a basket within an outer wrap; and (f) at least one of (i) partially securing the outer wrap and (ii) shrinking the outer wrap to retain the insert relative to the gift basket.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising locating a separate product between the casing and the outer wrap.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the independently packaged products are third party products.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the outer wrap is a shrink wrap.
 13. A product display assembly comprising: (a) a basket; (b) an insert engaged with the basket, the insert having a plurality of independently packaged products, and a shrink-wrap casing, the casing retaining the plurality of independently packaged products in a predetermined orientation; (c) shred in at least one of the basket and the insert; and (d) an outer wrap extending about the insert, the shred, and at least a portion of the basket, wherein at least a portion of the basket and the insert are retained relative to each other by the outer wrap.
 14. The product display of claim 13, wherein the independently packaged products are third party products.
 15. The product display of claim 13, further comprising a separate product between the casing and the outer wrap.
 16. The product display assembly of claim 13, wherein the casing encases the insert.
 17. The assembly of Cairn 1, wherein the outer wrap contacts the insert.
 18. The product display of claim 13, wherein the outer wrap contacts the insert. 